The Against Malaria Foundation fights malaria by distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets in Sub-SaharanAfrica.

How it works

AMF receives and reviews requests for mosquito nets from local ministries ofhealth.

It carries out pre-distribution surveys to establish the number of netsneeded.

It works with local health leaders to educate populations on all elements of malaria prevention, including the correct use of malarianets.

It purchases the nets and delivers them (through its distribution partners). It also provides independent supervisors to ensure that the nets are not misappropriated, and go to the people who needthem.

It continues to monitor local malaria rates, and carries out post-distribution surveys to monitor the use and condition of thenets.

Depending on the outcomes of these surveys, it provides further malaria education and additional nets asneeded.

It publishes its pre- and post-distribution reports on its website (AMF links every donation you make to a particular distribution, which you can check on thispage).

Why we recommendit

Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted by mosquitos. At first the symptoms are flu-like, but if untreated it can lead to respiratory distress and severe anaemia. According to the World Health Organisation, malaria kills around 584 000 deaths (range: 367,000–755,000) people a year, primarily African children who have been unable to develop immunity. It is one of Africa’s biggestkillers.

AMF’s program has a strong track record of preventing malarial infections. It is also highly cost-effective, as its lean organisational structure, careful use of technology and partnerships with local charities keep its costs exceptionallylow.

Its administrative costs are paid by established private donors, and the costs of distribution are covered by its distribution partners. This means that donations from the public go straight towards purchasing more nets. What’s more, its website lists all donations received and links each donation to a specific distribution, so donors can follow its progress and see the impact that they arehaving.

Its emphasis on preparation, distribution and follow-up ensures that it realises its potential in combating malaria and its effects. Buying and delivering an AMF-funded net costs only $5.14, and for roughly every $3,282 donated, it's estimated that a death from malaria is prevented. For comparison, the UK’s National Health Service will spend up to £20,000 (over $30,000) for a single year of healthy lifesaved!

AMF is also extremely transparent about its operations. By posting its pre- and post-distribution reports online, it allows the public to see how effective it is in eachinstance.